Grace Episcopal Church
Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Grace Episcopal. Grace Church was organized in 1848 in the home of Adam Rankin, led by the Rev. N. N. Cowgill of Hickman. The first structure, built of lumber cut in Louisville and floated downstream, was located on riverfront near Market Street. Consecrated on April 21, 1851. During Civil War property was confiscated by U.S. government and church was used as hospital. (Reverse) Grace Episcopal - Cornerstone for present Gothic edifice, one of Paducah's oldest landmarks, was laid on April 26, 1873 under rectorship of the Rev. W. M. Pettis who envisioned a building large enough to serve a growing city. Dedication and first service held June 21, 1874. Restoration of property after ravages of 1937 flood was led by the Rev. Custis Fletcher, rector. Presented by Church.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Founded in 1848 in a private home, Grace Church raised its first sanctuary from lumber cut in Louisville and floated down the Ohio to the Paducah riverfront, consecrating it in 1851. During the Civil War the federal government seized the property and pressed it into service as a hospital. The present Gothic church was begun in 1873 to serve a growing river city, and later survived the devastating 1937 flood.
Why it matters
The congregation's story mirrors the making of an Ohio River town, from frontier settlement through wartime occupation to the great floods that repeatedly tested the region.
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Related people
- · Rev. N. N. Cowgill
- · Adam Rankin
- · Rev. W. M. Pettis
Related events
- · Consecration of Grace Church, 1851
Themes & tags
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